Manchester teen killed in Sunday morning crash

One Coffee County teenager was injured and another killed in a single-car crash early Sunday morning on State Route 53 (Woodbury Highway) near the intersection of Houston Bell Rd.

According to a report filed by Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Donnie Clark, Cole M. Sons, 18, of Manchester, was killed when the pickup truck he was a passenger in left the roadway, struck a culvert and rolled. Sons was ejected and pronounced dead on arrival. According to the report, Sons was not wearing his seatbelt.

According to Clark’s report, the 1998 Ford pickup was being driven by Jacob A. Franklin, 18, of Manchester. Franklin was driving southbound on Woodbury Highway when he reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle then left the roadway to the left side, struck a culvert, rolled and ejected Sons. Franklin was wearing his seatbelt, according to the report.

Franklin was airlifted from the scene. No citations were issued and no criminal charges will be filed, according to the report. More information will be posted as it becomes available.